Are you relying on your Brita filter to protect you from the dangers of arsenic in your drinking water? You might want to think again. Arsenic is a toxic substance that can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, if consumed in high amounts.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the potential for arsenic contamination in their water supply, and even those who use water filters may not be fully protected. In this article, we will explore the risks associated with arsenic in drinking water and the limitations of Brita filters in removing this harmful substance.
While Brita filters are effective at removing some impurities from tap water, they are not specifically designed to remove arsenic. In fact, studies have shown that Brita filters may only remove a small percentage of arsenic from water. This means that even if you are using a Brita filter, you may still be consuming unsafe levels of this toxic substance.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family? In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the dangers of arsenic in drinking water and alternative methods for removing it from your water supply. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your health read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
– Brita filters are not certified to remove arsenic and can only remove about 20% of it.
– The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University conducted a study and found that only the ZeroWater filter reduced arsenic from 100ppb to less than 1ppb.
– Inorganic arsenic is a proven carcinogenic and is linked to other health problems.
– Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated alumina are effective methods of removing arsenic from water.
Arsenic in Drinking Water
You may be surprised to learn that Brita filters aren’t certified to remove arsenic, which can be dangerous and cause serious health problems if found in your drinking water. Arsenic is a proven carcinogenic and is linked to other health risks.
The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for arsenic at zero and the Maximum Contaminant Level at 10 ppb. This means that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can pose health risks, especially over time.
It’s important to note that carbon filters and refrigerator filters, like those found in Brita pitchers, don’t remove arsenic. While Brita filters can remove between 19.2% and 27.6% of arsenic in water, they can’t meet the 1ppb level recommended by the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University.
If you’re concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming arsenic, it’s important to choose a treatment method that’s right for you and your family.
Effectiveness of Brita Filters
If you’re relying on a Brita filter to remove contaminants from your drinking water, it’s important to be aware of its limitations when it comes to filtering out arsenic. While Brita filters can remove between 19.2% and 27.6% of arsenic in water, they cannot meet the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level of 10 ppb or the ZeroWater filter’s level of less than 1 ppb.
This means that if your water has high levels of arsenic, you may still be exposed to health risks even after using a Brita filter. To ensure that your drinking water is safe from arsenic, it’s important to use a treatment method that is effective. While Brita filters can remove other contaminants, they are not certified to treat arsenic and should not be your only line of defense.
Additionally, you need to regularly maintain and replace your Brita filter based on the volume of water filtered, or else it may become less effective over time. By being aware of Brita’s limitations and taking appropriate measures to protect yourself, you can ensure that you and your family are truly protected from the harmful effects of arsenic in drinking water.
Alternative Methods for Arsenic Removal
Consider exploring alternative methods for removing arsenic from your drinking water, such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated alumina filtration, to ensure that you are effectively reducing your exposure to this harmful contaminant. While Brita filters can remove some arsenic, they are not certified to remove it completely and may only reduce levels by up to 27.6%. To achieve the recommended maximum contaminant level of less than 10 ppb, other methods must be utilized.
Two effective methods for removing arsenic from drinking water are distillation and reverse osmosis. In distillation, water is boiled and the steam is captured and condensed, leaving behind the contaminants. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants as water is forced through it. A comparison of these two methods is detailed in the table below. It’s important to note that while these methods are effective, they may also remove beneficial minerals from the water. It’s important to consider the trade-offs and choose a method that meets your specific needs.
| Method | Distillation | Reverse Osmosis |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness in Removing Arsenic | Excellent | Excellent |
| Effectiveness in Removing Other Contaminants | Good | Good |
| Removal of Beneficial Minerals | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance Required | Minimal | Moderate |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate-High |
Conclusion
So, now that you know the risks of consuming arsenic in your drinking water and the limitations of Brita filters, what can you do to protect yourself?
The good news is that there are effective methods for removing arsenic from your water supply.
One option is reverse osmosis filtration, which uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities, including arsenic.
Another option is activated alumina filtration, which uses a specialized media to attract and remove arsenic from the water.
It’s important to take action to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of arsenic in drinking water.
While Brita filters may help with some impurities, they are not effective at removing arsenic.
Consider investing in a reverse osmosis or activated alumina filtration system to ensure that your water is safe to drink.
Your health’s worth the investment.
